Solar’s Big Shift: From Lab to Factory Floor
The solar industry is moving beyond proving technologies work to making them commercially viable. Key priorities include reshoring manufacturing and dramatically scaling battery storage across Europe.
Category: Business
Mining billionaire bets big on Australian rare earths to counter China
Mining billionaire Robert Friedland is backing a new scandium mine in Australia’s Parkes region. The project aims to start production in 2028 as Western nations scramble to diversify rare earth supplies away from China. Sunrise just raised $30 million and signed a deal with Lockheed Martin.
Valve won’t subsidize Steam Machines like consoles
Valve has confirmed it won’t subsidize Steam Machine hardware to compete on price with traditional consoles. The company’s Pierre-Loup Griffais says pricing will follow standard PC market patterns rather than console business models. This could make Steam Machines significantly more expensive than P
AI Customer Service Is Failing, And Customers Know Why
According to Qualtrics’ 2026 Customer Experience Trends Report, nearly one in five consumers say AI customer support provides no benefit. The failure rate is four times higher than other AI applications as companies deploy AI to cut costs rather than solve customer problems.
OpenAI Wants to Be Your Holiday Shopping Assistant
OpenAI is launching a new shopping experience in ChatGPT just in time for the holiday season. The feature helps users research products, compare options, and eventually make purchases directly through chat.
Valve’s Steam Machine Is Looking Way Too Expensive
Valve has confirmed it won’t subsidize Steam Machine pricing, making a $500 console unlikely. The company says pricing will align with current PC market levels rather than competing directly with PlayStation and Xbox on price.
Why Battery Safety Needs a Chemistry Change, Not More Rules
Recent battery fires in Singapore, California, and South Korea highlight the fundamental safety challenges of lithium-ion technology. Flow batteries using water-based electrolytes eliminate thermal runaway risks entirely. The energy storage industry faces a critical choice between managing danger an
California’s 5% Billionaire Tax Could Actually Pass This Time
California is considering a one-time 5% wealth tax specifically targeting billionaires that could generate $100 billion. The measure needs 870,000 signatures to reach the 2026 ballot and would exempt real estate while covering other assets. This comes after previous wealth tax proposals failed in th
Gen Z is saving for retirement at 19 while boomers go back to work
While soaring inflation forces baby boomers back to work, Gen Z is starting retirement savings as young as 19. Robinhood’s CEO says young people are embracing traditional investing while older customers chase trends. The generational divide in financial planning has never been clearer.
The Talent Wars Are Getting Brutal
The executive talent market has become incredibly competitive as baby boomers retire and companies chase the same limited pool of qualified leaders. Winning companies understand that compensation is just one piece of the puzzle in attracting top talent.